Business Partner B2
Glossary
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adjective (adj.) Headwords for adjectives followed by
information in square brackets, e.g. [only before a noun] and [not
before a noun], show any restrictions on where they can be used.
analyst n. [C] someone who is a specialist in a particular subject,
market, industry, etc. and examines information relating to it in
order to give their views about what will happen or should be done:
Internet analysts agree that security is a big issue.
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noun (n.) The codes [C] and [U] show whether a noun, or
a particular sense of a noun, is countable (an analyst, two
analysts) or uncountable (awareness, autonomy).
•
verb (v.) The forms of irregular verbs are given after the
headword. The codes [I] (intransitive) and [T] (transitive) show
whether a verb, or a particular sense of a verb, has or does not
have an object. Phrasal verbs (phr. v.) are shown after the verb
they are related to.
analytical adj. thinking about things in a detailed and intelligent way,
so that you can examine and understand things: During the course,
students will develop their analytical skills.
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Some entries show information on words that are related to
the headword. Adverbs (adv.) are often shown in this way after
adjectives.
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region labels The codes AmE and BrE show whether a word or
sense of a word is used only in American or British English.
analytics n. [singular or plural] 1 the practice of using computer
software to carefully examine data: Big data analytics is a growing
industry.
2 the information produced by carefully examining data, especially
using computer software: The campaign used analytics about
consumers to target their ads.
announce v. [T] to officially tell people about something, especially
about a plan or a decision: The government has announced plans to
create 10,000 new jobs.
announcement n. [C] an important or official statement: The minister
made the announcement at a news conference.
accountability n. [U] the ability to be held responsible for the effects of
your actions, and to explain or be criticised for them: Publishing the
school’s exam results increases the school’s accountability.
achieve v. [T] to successfully do what you wanted or tried to do: Wilson
has achieved considerable success as an artist.
achievement n. [C, U] something that you succeed in doing by your own
efforts, or the fact of doing something you wanted or tried to do: We
try to celebrate the achievements of our students.
acknowledge v. [T] to notice and publicly say how good or important
someone or something is: The Brazilian coach acknowledged the
talent of his players.
active listening n. [U] the process of paying attention to what someone
is saying, showing that you are listening, and asking questions
or repeating what they have said in different words in order to
make sure you understand: Active listening can help meetings go
well, because people feel that their opinions have been heard and
understood.
adapt v. [I, T] to gradually change your behaviour and attitudes in order
to be successful in a new situation: The ability to adapt is a definite
asset in this job.
address v. [T] to deal with or solve something: Our products address the
needs of real users.
appraisal n. [C] a meeting between a manager and an employee to
discuss the quality of the employee’s work and how well they do
their job: Appraisals happen yearly, but any targets set should be
checked more regularly.
appraise v. [T] to decide how well an employee is doing their work,
usually after discussing with the employee how well they have
performed during the past year: It is the line manager’s job to
appraise staff.
appreciate v. [T] to understand that something is serious or important,
or to understand what someone’s feelings are: He did not fully
appreciate the significance of signing the contract.
apprehension n. [C, U] anxiety about the future, especially about
dealing with something unpleasant or difficult: Diplomats watched
the events with growing apprehension.
apprehensive adj. worried or nervous about something that you are
going to do, or about the future: I was apprehensive that something
would go wrong.
aptitude n. [C, U] the natural ability to do a particular activity or job: He
has a natural aptitude for teaching.
advance v. [I] to move up to a more responsible position in a company:
Training courses can help you advance.
arise v. (past tense arose, past participle arisen) [I] if a problem or
difficult situation arises, it begins to happen: More problems like
those at the nuclear power plant are certain to arise.
advancement n. [C, U] progress or development in your job, such as
moving up to a more responsible position: There are plenty of
opportunities for advancement in the company.
artificial intelligence n. [U] (abbreviation AI) the ability of a computer
to do intelligent things that people can do, such as think and make
decisions: Artificial intelligence is key to self-driving cars.
agile adj. able to change quickly and do things differently when
necessary because of customer demands, changes in the market,
etc.: Agile companies can respond quickly to business opportunities.
aspect n. [C] one part of a situation, idea, plan, etc. that has many parts:
Dealing with people is the most important aspect of my work.
allegation n. [C] a statement that someone has done something wrong
or illegal, but that has not been proved: There is an allegation that
senior government representatives were involved.
allocate v. [T] to use something for a particular purpose, give
something to a particular person, etc., especially after an official
decision has been made: The company has allocated funds for the
construction of four new factories.
analyse (also analyze AmE) v. [T] to examine or think about something
carefully, in order to understand it: She still needs to analyse the
data.
analysis n. (plural analyses) [C, U] a careful examination of something
in order to understand it better: The researchers carried out a
detailed analysis of recent trends in share prices.
1
anticipate v. [T] to expect that something will happen and be ready for
it: Sales are better than anticipated.
assessment n. [C, U] a process in which you make a judgment about a
person or situation, or the judgment you make: We need a detailed
assessment of what this will cost.
asset-stripping n. [U] the practice of buying a company cheaply and
then selling all the things or businesses it owns to make a quick
profit—used to show disapproval: The new owners turned out to be
more interested in asset-stripping than investment.
assure v. [T] to tell someone that something will definitely happen or is
definitely true so that they are less worried: The airline has assured
travellers there will be no further delays.
atmosphere n. [C, U] the feeling that an event or place gives you: An
atmosphere of optimism was common at the conference.
auditor n. [C] someone whose job is to officially examine a company’s
financial records: The shareholder group wants external auditors to
examine the books.
Business Partner B2
Glossary
authority n. [U] the power that a person or organisation has because of
their official or legal position: I wouldn’t have taken the job unless I
had the authority to run the division.
autonomy n. [U] the ability or opportunity to make your own decisions
without being controlled by anyone else: Managers are given
considerable individual autonomy.
average n. [C] the amount you get when you add together several
amounts and then divide by the number of amounts: The average of
3, 8 and 10 is 7.
awareness n. [U] knowledge or understanding of a particular subject
or situation: The talk raised awareness of the problem of plastics in
the sea.
backfire v. [I] to have the opposite effect to the one you intended: The
company’s new policy backfired when a number of employees
threatened to quit.
bail somebody/something
out phr. v. to provide money to get a
person or organisation out of financial trouble: These companies
think they can force the banks to bail them out.
bailout n. [C] money that is provided to a person or organisation to
get them out of financial trouble, or the process of providing this
money: Losses totalling hundreds of millions of dollars led to an
expensive bailout by the parent company.
bank v. [I always + adv./prep.] to keep your money in a particular bank:
I’ve always banked at First Interstate.
banker n. [C] someone who works in the management of a bank: He is a
senior banker who sits on many company boards.
bankrupt adj. go bankrupt to no longer have enough money to pay
what you owe: The firm went bankrupt before the building work
was completed.
brainstorming n. [U] the process of suggesting a lot of ideas for an
activity or for solving a problem, especially during a meeting or
discussion with other people: No idea is ruled out during the period
of the brainstorming.
brave new world a situation or a way of doing something that is new
and exciting and meant to improve people’s lives: This is the brave
new world of remote work.
budget1 n. [C] the money that is available to an organization or person,
or a plan of how it will be spent: The organization has an annual
budget of $24 million.
be over budget spend more than you have planned to spend on
a particular project or activity in a set period of time: The building
project is already over budget, and it won’t be finished for another
three months.
budget2 v. [I, T] to carefully plan and control how much you spend: We
have budgeted $100 million for fees and expenses.
business casual n. [U] clothes that are not formal but that are suitable
for wearing while working in an office: In publishing, the dress code
is usually business casual.
call (something) into question to make people uncertain about
whether something is right, good or true: I feel that my competence
is being called into question here.
campaign v. [I] to lead or take part in a series of actions intended
to achieve a particular social or political result: The group has
campaigned against the destruction of the rain forests.
bankruptcy n. (plural bankruptcies) [C, U] the state of being unable to
pay your debts: When inflation rises, so do bankruptcies.
campaign n. [C] a series of actions intended to achieve something
or persuade people to do something: The store ran a television
advertising campaign just before the summer.
benchmarking n. [U] the process of comparing one thing or action to
another or to a standard, so that you can judge or measure it: The
school uses the results for benchmarking of student progress.
capability n. (plural capabilities) [C] the ability or power that makes
someone or something able to do something: The country’s
manufacturing capability has greatly increased in the last ten years.
benefit1 n. 1 [C usually plural] something, especially money, that you
get in addition to your pay: The company offers a great benefits
package.
2 [C] a good effect or advantage that something has, for example
a product or service: The marketing message focuses on the
environmental benefits of the product.
capital expenditure n. [C, U] the money a company spends on
buildings, machinery, equipment, etc., or the process of spending
the money: They increased capital expenditure to build two new
factories.
benefit2 v. [I, T] if you benefit from something, or it benefits you, it gives
you an advantage, improves your life or helps you in some way: New
regulations will greatly benefit the region’s poorest residents.
blended learning n. [U] a way of teaching students that uses both
online lessons and lessons taught by a teacher: Some studies have
shown that blended learning can be more effective than either
online or teacher-led learning by themselves.
bonus n. [C] an extra amount of money added to an employee’s wages,
usually as a reward for doing difficult or good work: The bonus is
linked to performance.
boom v. [I] to be very successful and grow very quickly: Since the 1980s
tourism has boomed here.
boost v. [T] to increase or improve something and make it more
successful: The new resort area has boosted tourism.
bottom line n. [C usually singular] 1 the figure showing a company’s
total profit or loss: The company’s bottom line showed a net profit
of 173 million euros.
2 the end result of something or the most important point about
something: The bottom line is that we need another twenty
thousand dollars to complete the project.
bottom-line adj. relating to the total profits or losses that a business
makes: What is the bottom-line impact of their business plan?
2
brainstorm v. [I, T] to suggest a lot of ideas for an activity or for solving
a problem, especially during a discussion or meeting with other
people: Employees get together and brainstorm ideas, some of
which get developed and some don’t.
carbon emission n. [C usually plural] the gases that are sent into the air
when petrol, oil, coal, etc. are burned for fuel: Britain has set targets
to cut carbon emissions under the agreement.
cash flow n. [singular, U] the movement of money coming into a
business as income and going out as wages, materials, etc.: We
expect a rise in both our production and our cash flow.
cater v. [I, T] to provide and serve food and drinks at a party, meeting
etc, usually as a business: This is the biggest event we’ve ever
catered for.
centred, -centred adj. (also centered AmE) [only after noun] having a
particular person or group as the most important part or focus of
something: a student-centred approach
charity n. (plural charities) [C] an organisation that gives money, goods
or help to people who are poor, sick, etc.: Several charities sent aid
to the flood victims.
circumstances n. [plural] events or facts that affect a situation: Police
are investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident.
clarification n. [C, U] the act of making something clearer or easier
to understand, or an explanation that makes something clearer:
Customers can email us if they require further clarification on how
to order.
clarify v. (clarified, clarifying, clarifies) [T] to make something clearer
or easier to understand: Could you clarify one or two points for me?
Business Partner B2
Glossary
climb v. [I] to increase in number, amount or level: Inflation climbed 2%
last month.
close a deal/sale to reach the point in a deal or sale where everyone
involved agrees to it: The objective of the negotiation phase is to
close the deal.
cloud n. [singular] the cloud the internet used as something that
provides software or space for storing information, rather than
having it on your own computer: They offer a variety of services in
the cloud.
conduct n. [U] the way someone behaves, especially in public, in their
job, etc.: You are expected to maintain a high standard of personal
conduct at work.
confident adj. [not before noun] sure that something will happen in
the way that you want or expect: We are confident that next year’s
profits will be higher.
coach v. [T] to help someone find ways of improving their skills and
abilities: Good managers coach their employees in order to help
them develop.
confirmation n. [C, U] a statement, document, etc. that says that
something is correct or true: There has still been no official
confirmation of the report.
collaboration n. [C, U] the activity of working together with another
person, company, etc. in order to achieve something: More
collaboration between companies is needed to speed up the
development of cleaner fuels for cars.
connectivity n. [U] the ability of computers and other electronic
equipment to connect with the internet or with other computers
or programs: Internet connectivity is often a problem, especially in
rural areas.
collective adj. shared or made by every member of a group: This was a
collective decision made by all board members.
consensus n. [singular, U] agreement among a group of people: The
talks are aimed at building a consensus.
come into place to start being used in an official way: The new rules
come into place in May.
conservation n. [U] the protection of natural things such as animals,
plants, forests, etc., to prevent them from being spoiled or
destroyed: The group spent four months carrying out conservation
work in the rain forest.
come to light if new information comes to light, it becomes known:
New facts came to light after the meeting.
commitment n. [U] the hard work and loyalty that someone gives to
an organisation or activity: Her commitment to work is beyond
question.
consider v. [I, T] to think about something carefully, especially before
making a choice or decision: Have you considered the possibility of
retraining?
commuting n. [U] the process of regularly travelling a long distance to
get to work: Commuting by train is much easier than driving.
consistent adj. always behaving in the same way or having the same
attitudes, standards, etc.: We need to be consistent in our approach.
—consistently adv.
company car n. [C] a car that your employer gives you while you work
for them: The company provides company cars for employees who
travel to see customers.
constructive adj. useful and helpful, or likely to produce good results:
We welcome any constructive criticism.
compensation n. [U] money that someone is paid, especially when
they have worked more hours than is usual, worked on something
particularly difficult, etc.: Staff members who work unsocial hours
receive financial compensation.
competency n. [C, U] the fact of having enough skill or knowledge to
do something to a satisfactory standard, or the skill and knowledge
someone has: These are the 12 core competencies that have been
identified as critical for successful job performance.
competent adj. having enough skill, knowledge or ability to do
something to a satisfactory standard: The farm is run by a
competent manager.
competitive edge n. [singular] something that makes a person or
business able to compete successfully against other people or
businesses: He believes investment in new technology is the only
way for the company to maintain its competitive edge.
consult v. [I, T] to discuss something with someone or ask for
information, especially so that you can make a decision together: An
increasing number of people are consulting their accountants about
the tax laws.
consultant n. [C] someone whose job is to give people or businesses
advice or training in a particular area: The firm has appointed a
consultant to advise on the restructuring of the company.
consultative adj. [usually before noun] providing advice and suggesting
solutions to problems: The consultative document recommended
changes to the way the company was managed.
consulting firm n. [C] a company that gives advice and training in a
particular area to people in other companies: They have called in a
management consulting firm.
consumption n. [U] the amount of energy, oil, electricity, etc. that is
used: Over a quarter of our energy consumption is in the home.
competitiveness n. [U] the ability of a company, country or product to
compete with others: New machinery has enhanced the company’s
productivity and competitiveness.
conversion n. [C, U] the number of sales that a website makes in
relation to the number of people who look at the website: A
consultant helped them increase their conversions.
completion n. [U] the act of finishing something: The job is subject to
your satisfactory completion of the training course.
convert v. [I, T] to change or make something change from one thing to
another: We want to convert website visitors into buyers.
complex adj. consisting of many different parts and often difficult to
understand: Peter seemed to have an instant understanding of the
most complex issues.
convince n. [T] to persuade someone to do something: I tried to
convince my boss that those ideas were good.
compulsory adj. something that is compulsory must be done because
it is the law or because someone in authority orders you to:
Attendance at the meeting is compulsory.
concept n. [C] 1 an idea for a product: They came up with a new concept
in business travel.
2 an idea of how something is or should be done: The first year of
the course introduces the basic concepts of management.
3
concern n. [singular, U] a feeling that something or someone is
important and that you want them to be happy: His concern for his
family led him to work hard to provide for them.
cope v. [I] to succeed in dealing with a difficult problem or situation: In
this job, you’ll have to learn to cope with pressure.
corporate adj. [only before noun] belonging to or relating to a
corporation: The company is moving its corporate headquarters
from New York to Houston.
corporate culture n. [C, U] the way that people in a corporation think
and behave: A company should trust its employees and have an
open corporate culture.
Business Partner B2
Glossary
corruption n. [U] dishonest, illegal or immoral behaviour, especially by
someone with power: Several officials were charged with bribery
and corruption.
cost-efficient adj. saving money by making a product or doing an
activity in a better way: The software has reduced errors by 15%, so
it is very cost-efficient.
crash n. [C] an occasion on which the stocks and shares in a stock
market suddenly lose a lot of value: The stock market crash in 1929
set off the Great Depression.
credit crunch n. [C] a time when borrowing money becomes difficult
because banks reduce the amount they lend and charge high
interest rates: One reason for the credit crunch is that bankers fear
that more loans will not be paid back.
crisis n. (plural crises) [C] a situation in which there are a lot of
problems that must be dealt with quickly so that the situation
does not get worse or more dangerous: The country now faces an
economic crisis.
criteria n. [plural] the standards that you use to judge something or
make a decision about something: What are the criteria used to
select candidates?
criticism n. [C, U] remarks that say what you think is bad about
someone or something: Despite strong criticism, the new system is
still in place.
cross-functional adj. relating to doing different jobs or activities, or
involving people from different areas of a company who do different
jobs or activities: Cross-functional teams can bring new ideas to a
project.
culture n. [C, U] the attitudes or beliefs that are shared and accepted by
a particular group of people or in a particular organisation: Working
late hours seems part of the company culture.
data n. [plural, U] information or facts about a particular subject,
especially in a form that can be stored and used on a computer: The
data is stored on a computer in our central office.
data dump n. [C] an act of copying information from one computer
to another, especially a very large amount of information: The
program is designed to find useful information in a data dump.
data mining n. [U] the process of using a computer to examine large
amounts of information, for example about customers, in order to
find out information that is not easily noticed: Data mining allows
marketing departments to identify groups of customers for highly
targeted mail campaigns.
deadline n. [C] a date or time by which you have to do or to complete
something: September 30th is the deadline for sending in your tax
return.
decline v. [I] if sales, profits, production, etc. decline, they become less:
Car sales have declined by a quarter.
define v. [T] to describe something correctly and thoroughly, and to say
what standards, limits, qualities, etc. it has that make it different
from other things: The tasks will be clearly defined by the tutor.
delegate v. [I, T] to give part of your power or work to someone else,
usually someone in a lower position than you: A good manager
knows when to delegate.
demonstrate v. [T] to show that you have a particular ability, quality or
feeling: He has demonstrated an ability to meet deadlines.
demotivate v. [T] to make people less willing to do their job: Lack of
opportunities within a company can demotivate employees.
depression n. [C, U] a long period during which there is very little
business activity and many people do not have jobs: The country
was suffering from a period of deep depression.
develop v. [I, T] to become stronger or more advanced, or to make
someone or something do this: The course is designed to help
students develop their speaking skills.
4
development n. [U] the teaching or learning of a range of skills
that someone can use in many different positions and in their
future careers: She saw the qualification as a part of her career
development.
devil’s advocate n. [C] someone who pretends to disagree with you
in order to have a good discussion about something: Often the
interviewer will need to play the devil’s advocate to put the other
side’s case forward.
digital adj. relating to computers or other devices that store or send
information electronically in the form of numbers, usually ones and
zeros: Every kid seems to have at least one digital device.
digital immigrant n. [C] someone who is not very good at using
digital equipment such as computers or mobile phones, because
they have only recently started using them: Senior citizens are
digital immigrants, but many of them make full use of the devices
they have.
digital native n. [C] someone who is very good at using digital
equipment such as computers and mobile phones because they
have used them since they were young: You must not assume every
young person is a digital native.
digital nomad n. [C] someone who uses digital equipment such as
computers and mobile phones to do their work or run their business
from anywhere that has a connection to the internet: If all your
work is done online, you could become a digital nomad.
digitalise (also digitalize) v. [T] to change to using computers or other
digital devices in order to do something: We’re aiming to digitalise
our marketing efforts.
digital personal assistant n. [C] a small digital device, for example a
smartphone, that you can speak to in order to ask it to do tasks:
Digital personal assistants can perform a range of services, from
telling you the weather to ordering flowers for your mum.
dimension n. [C] a part of a situation: We must not ignore the moral
dimension of business leadership.
disrupt v. [T] to start doing something in a new and more effective way
that changes the way an industry does things: The car sharing app
has disrupted the taxi industry.
disruption n. [U] the process of beginning to do something in a new
and more effective way that changes the way an industry does
things: Companies must be able to adapt to compete with new
businesses that are focused on disruption.
disruptive adj. 1 causing problems and preventing something from
continuing in its usual way: Working at night can be very disruptive
to home life.
2 changing the way an industry does things by doing something in a
new and more effective way: Will these companies find a way to be
disruptive in the health insurance industry?
disruptor n. [C] a person or company that changes the way an industry
does things, by doing something in a new and effective way:
Amazon has been a disruptor in the retail industry.
distraction n. [C, U] something that stops you paying attention to what
you are doing: There are too many distractions in this office - it’s
hard for me to get anything done.
distrust n. [U] a feeling that you cannot trust someone: Many people
regard politicians with distrust.
diverse adj. very different from each other: The tasks are diverse, which
makes the job more interesting.
diversity n. [U] the fact of including many different types of people or
things: It’s natural that there is a diversity of opinions within the
organization.
dividend n. [C] a part of a company’s profit that is divided among the
people with shares in the company: They forecast a dividend of 29.8
euros a share.
donate v. [I, T] to give something, especially money, to a person or an
organisation in order to help them: Last year he donated $1,000 to
cancer research.
Business Partner B2
Glossary
downturn n. [C usually singular] a period in which business activity is
reduced and conditions become worse: There has been a downturn
in the auto industry in recent years.
dress code n. [C] the way that you are expected to dress in a particular
situation, especially as an employee of a particular company: Is it
legal for a dress code to require women to wear high heels?
ensure BrE, insure AmE v. [T] to make certain that something will
happen properly: The administrator will ensure that timely action is
taken to resolve the problem.
drop1 n. [singular] a fall in the amount, level or number of something,
especially a large or sudden one: Manufacturers report a big drop in
new orders.
entrepreneurial adj. having the qualities that are needed to start a
company and arrange business deals, such as the ability to take
risks: She had the entrepreneurial spirit necessary to step out on her
own.
drop2 v. [I] to fall to a lower level or amount, especially a much lower
level or amount: Their share of the market dropped to 50 percent
this year.
equity n. [U] the money that a company has available to use that comes
from shares rather than from loans: They plan to raise $100m by
releasing at least 5% of equity in the company.
earn v. [T] to do something or have qualities that make you deserve
something: The company has earned a reputation for reliability.
establish v. [T] to start a company, organisation, system, etc. that is
intended to exist or continue for a long time: Our goal is to establish
a new research centre in the North.
earnings n. [plural] the profit that a company makes in a particular
period of time: The company’s earnings have dropped by 5% in the
first quarter.
ease v. [T] to make a process happen more easily: The changes
introduced ease the way patients are referred to specialists.
EBIT n. [C usually singular] the abbreviation for earnings before
interest and tax – the amount of profit a company makes after its
costs have been taken away but before any tax has been paid and
before any money earned from interest payments has been added:
The company’s EBIT was better than that of other automakers.
eco-friendly adj. not harmful to the environment: Try to use ecofriendly products for cleaning your home.
effective adj. working well and producing the result or effect that
was wanted or intended: The company mounted a very effective
publicity campaign.
effectiveness n. [U] the fact of working well and producing the result
or effect that was wanted or intended: How will you judge the
effectiveness of the scheme?
estimate v. [T] to try to judge the value, size, speed, cost, etc. of
something, without calculating it exactly: The value of the deal is
estimated at £12 million.
ethical adj. 1 connected with principles of what is right and wrong: The
use of animals in scientific tests raises difficult ethical questions.
2 morally good or correct: I don’t think it’s ethical for you to accept
a job you know you can’t do. —ethically adv.
ethics n. [plural] moral rules or principles of behaviour for deciding
what is right and wrong: Besides sales techniques, salespeople will
get training in contract law, psychology and business ethics.
evaluate v. [T] to carefully consider something to see how useful or
valuable it is: We need to evaluate the success of our last marketing
campaign.
excessive adj. much more than is reasonable or necessary: Farmers
have been criticized for their excessive use of chemical fertilizers.
execute v. [T] to do something that has been carefully planned: Can the
plan be executed without spending any extra money?
efficiency n. [U] the quality of doing something well and effectively,
without wasting time, money or energy: The two departments have
been merged to increase efficiency.
executive n. [C] someone who has an important job as a manager
in a company or business: She is a senior executive with a major
pharmaceuticals company.
efficient adj. working well without wasting time, money or energy:
Email is an efficient way of contacting a large number of people.
executive summary n. [C] a short statement or piece of writing that
gives the most important points of a business report or proposal:
The executive summary is the first part of the business plan that
everyone will read.
elaborate v. [I, T] to give more details or new information about
something: The CEO refused to elaborate on his reasons for
resigning.
embrace v. [T] to eagerly accept a new idea, opinion, way of doing
something, etc.: Companies are always eager to embrace the latest
technology.
emotional intelligence n. [U] the ability to understand and control your
own emotions, and to understand and deal with other people in a
caring way: In some jobs, emotional intelligence is as important as
academic intelligence.
exhibit v. [T] to clearly show a particular quality, emotion or ability: She
has exhibited clear leadership qualities.
expand on/upon phr. v. to add more details or information to
something that you have already said, so that it is more complete:
The CEO later expanded on his initial statement.
expectation n. [C usually plural] a feeling or belief about the way
something should be or how someone should behave: It is a difficult
operation, but we have reasonable expectations of success.
empathy n. [U] the ability to understand other people’s feelings and
problems: She had great empathy with people in her team.
expertise n. [U] special skills or knowledge in an area of work or study:
What he’s bringing to the company is financial expertise.
employment n. [U] the condition of having a paid job: The employment
prospects for science graduates are excellent.
extend v. [T] to make something include more people or things: If the
programme is successful, it will be extended to cover the whole
country.
empower v. [T] to give someone more control over their own life or
situation: Employees were empowered to make some decisions
without having to consult their manager.
enable v. [T] to make it possible for someone to do something, or for
something to happen: The loan enabled me to buy the house.
encourage v. [I, T] to persuade someone to do something: Cantor didn’t
mind if they worked late; in fact, he actively encouraged it.
end of play n. [U] (abbreviation EOP) the end of the working day: Will
your report be ready by end of play?
5
engage v. [I, T] to communicate well with someone and involve them in
a process or activity: Try to engage the local community in the plans.
external adj. coming from or happening outside a particular place
or organisation (opposite internal): The information came from
external sources.
face v. [T] to have a difficult problem or situation that you must deal
with: She is facing the biggest challenge of her career.
facilitate v. [I, T] to make a discussion, meeting, etc. run well, so that
everyone has a chance to speak and give their ideas and the group
can make any decisions together: The person who is facilitating the
meeting is not always the leader of the group, but can be someone
from outside the group altogether.
Business Partner B2
Glossary
facilitation n. [U] the process of making a discussion, meeting, etc. run
well, so that everyone has a chance to speak and give their ideas
and the group can make any decisions together: Facilitation should
not just be the responsibility of one person.
facilitator n. [C] someone who makes a discussion, meeting, etc. run
well, so that everyone has a chance to speak and give their ideas
and the group can make any decisions together: The company
brought in an outside facilitator to the board meeting.
fair adj. a fair situation, system, way of treating people, or judgment
seems reasonable, acceptable, and right: €150 is a fair price. —fairly
adv.
fairness n. [U] the quality of being fair: News reports should be held to
a high standard of accuracy and fairness.
fair trade n. [U] the activity of making, buying and selling goods in
a way that is morally right, for example by making sure that the
people who grow or make a product have been paid a fair price for
it: The supermarket sells many fair trade items.
fast fashion n. [U] inexpensive clothes that are designed and made
quickly and that are very fashionable, but that are not in shops for a
long time: Fast fashion is trendy but not always of very high quality.
feedback n. [U] advice, criticism, etc. about how successful or useful
something is: The line manager judges the trainee’s work and
provides feedback.
field n. [C] a subject that people study or are involved in as part of
their work: We are looking for graduates with degrees in artificial
intelligence, languages and related fields.
financial institution n. [C] a business organisation that lends and
borrows money, for example a bank: All the big financial institutions
cut their interest rates today.
financial services n. [plural] the business activity of giving advice about
investments and selling investments to people and organisations:
Banks have been moving into other areas of the financial services
industry such as stockbroking and insurance.
flexibility n. [U] the ability to change or be changed easily to suit a
different situation: Employees expect flexibility in the workplace.
flexible hours a situation in which an employer allows people to
choose the times that they work so that they can do other things:
More employees are seeking flexible hours or work-at-home deals.
follow v. [I, T] to understand something such as an explanation or story:
I didn’t quite follow what he was saying.
forecast v. [T] to make a statement saying what is likely to happen in
the future, based on information that is available now: This year we
forecast growth of 30%.
form v. [T] to start an organisation, committee, government, etc.: The
charity was formed in 1946 and helps the poor in 38 countries.
forum n. [C] a web page where people can discuss something by
writing and replying to messages: The forum was started by the HR
department, and people came up with some good ideas for making
the workplace more health-friendly.
gather v. [T] to get things or information from different places and
put them together in one place: The researcher’s job is to gather
information about people.
globalisation (also globalization) n. [U] the fact of companies doing
business in many countries all around the world: Globalisation can
often lead to the destruction of local customs and cultures.
go forward phr. v. [I] if something that is planned to happen goes
forward, it starts to happen or starts to make progress: The project
can only go forward if we can get enough financial support.
go over phr. v. [T] to repeat something, especially in order to explain it:
Could you go over that again, please?
go the extra mile to try a little harder in order to achieve something,
after you have already used a lot of effort: Be willing to go the extra
mile to show your enthusiasm, and it won’t take long to stand out!
goal n. [C] something that you hope to achieve in the future: For any
project, it helps if you set yourself clear goals.
gross adj. relating to a total amount before any tax or costs have been
taken away (opposite net): They made a gross profit of $5 million.
group n. [C] a large business organisation that consists of several
companies that all have the same owner: There has been an
increase in group profits.
guarantee n. [C] a formal promise that something will be done: I cannot
give a guarantee that there will be no redundancies.
hierarchy n. (plural hierarchies) [C, U] an organisation or structure in
which the staff are organised in levels and the people at one level
have authority over those below them: Who are the key people in
the company hierarchy?
high-growth adj. relating to companies whose earnings are increasing
much faster than the rate at which the economy is growing: What
sales techniques do high-growth companies use?
highlight v. [T] to make a problem or subject easy to notice so that
people pay attention to it: Your CV should highlight your skills and
achievements.
hit a problem/snag to experience trouble, problems, etc.: Things had
been going well, and then we hit a major problem.
housing market n. [C usually singular] the number and type of houses
that are available in a particular area, how much they cost, etc.:
London’s housing market has experienced its worst month in nearly
a decade, and prices could drop further in the next 12 months.
humanoid adj. having a human shape and human qualities: The robot
was humanoid in appearance.
identify v. [T] to recognise something and understand its qualities: They
identified a number of problem areas in the company.
image n. [C] the general opinion that most people have of a person,
organisation, product, etc.: The store is trying to promote an
upmarket image.
framework n. [C] a set of ideas, rules or beliefs from which something
is developed, or on which decisions are based: This paper provides a
framework for future research.
impact n. [C] the effect or influence that an event, situation, etc. has
on someone or something: The expansion of the airport will have a
negative impact on the environment.
freelance n. [C] someone who works independently for different
companies rather than being employed by one particular company:
I’m basically a freelance, and most of my work comes through
various agencies.
implement v. [T] to take action or make changes that you have officially
decided should happen: We have decided to implement the
committee’s recommendations in full.
fulfil (also fulfill AmE) v. [T] to do or provide what is necessary or
needed: There is little doubt that the scheme fulfils a need for our
community.
functional adj. relating to doing one job or activity, or relating to the
people who do that job or activity: Functional training is done by
the department itself.
6
garment n. [C] a piece of clothing: The garments are made in India and
shipped worldwide.
implementation n. [U] the process of taking action and making changes
that you have officially decided should happen: The implementation
of cost-cutting measures has begun.
incentive n. [C] something which is used to encourage people to do
something, especially to make them work harder, produce more or
spend more money: If you want people to change their behaviour,
it’s a good idea to offer them some kind of incentive.
Business Partner B2
Glossary
increase n. [C] a rise in amount, number or degree: Recent tax increases
have affected the poor more than the rich.
irregular adj. not happening or done at the normal time for doing
something: Farm workers often work long, irregular hours.
induction n. [C, U] the introduction and training of someone into a new
job: The department holds its own induction course.
irritation n. [C] something that makes you annoyed: The noise of
phones ringing is an irritation for him when he’s trying to work.
industry n. [C] businesses that produce a particular type of thing or
provide a particular service: He joined the company after working in
the retailing and banking industries.
issue n. [C] a subject or problem that is often discussed or argued about:
There are a few issues that still need to be resolved.
infrastructure n. [C, U] the basic systems and structures that a country
or organisation needs in order to work properly, for example roads,
railways, banks, etc.: They’ve promised a $65 billion investment
package in education, health care and infrastructure.
initiative n. [C] 1 an important new plan or process, done to achieve
a particular aim or to solve a particular problem: The cost-cutting
initiatives are expected to result in savings of £300 million.
2 take the initiative to take responsibility for doing or controlling
something, and make decisions without waiting for someone to tell
you what to do: This is your project; you need to take the initiative
and get it done.
innovate v. [I] to design and develop new and original products: Large
companies can find it hard to innovate.
innovation n. [U] the introduction of new ideas or methods: The
company wants to speed up the pace of technological innovation.
innovative adj. an innovative idea or way of doing something is new,
different, and better than those that existed before: Succeding in
such an environment requires an innovative approach to business.
insolvent adj. not having enough money to pay what you owe: The
company was later declared insolvent.
insufficient adj. not enough, or not large enough: His salary was
insufficient for their needs.
integrity n. [U] the quality of being honest and strong about what you
believe to be right: Lawyers questioned the integrity of some of the
officials.
interconnected adj. joined together either physically or electronically:
Your phone and your household heating system are interconnected,
so that you can turn on the heating in the house before you get
home.
interest rate n. [C] the amount charged by a bank, etc. when you
borrow money, or paid to you by a bank when you keep money in an
account there: Interest rates are low right now, only 1.5%.
internal adj. within a company or organisation, rather than outside it
(opposite external): The bank is holding an internal inquiry into the
incident.
key adj. very important or necessary: A key factor in these companies’
success is knowing their customers’ preferences.
kick off phr. v. [I, T] to start something such as a project, meeting or
event: The company will kick off its advertising campaign in Europe
next week.
label n. [C] a company that makes something such as clothes, wine or
music recordings: Some labels make a point of using only cloth that
is produced in a sustainable way.
labour-intensive (also labor-intensive AmE) adj. needing a lot of
workers in order to do or produce something: The company was
using old, labour-intensive production methods.
law-abiding adj. respectful of the law and obeying it: The role of the
police is to enforce the law and protect law-abiding citizens.
lending n. [U] the process or activity of allowing someone to borrow
money from a bank or other financial institution: Banks reduced the
lending they were willing to do.
lengthy adj. (lengthier, lengthiest) continuing for a long time, often
too long: Creating a new tax system is a lengthy process.
limited partner n. [C] someone who invests in a new business but does
not have control of the business and is responsible for the business’s
debts only up to the amount they invested in it: The limited partners
can expect a good return on their investment.
line n. [C] a type of product that a company makes or sells, often with
several different sizes, models, etc.: The company has just launched
a new line of small, low-priced computers.
line manager n. [C] someone who is one level higher in rank than you in
a company and is in charge of your work: Your line manager will do
your appraisal.
loan n. [C] an amount of money that you borrow from a bank, financial
institution, etc.: I had to take out a loan to buy my car.
long-term adj. relating to a long period of time into the future
(opposite short-term): the long-term effects of global warming
internationalisation (also internationalization) n. [U] the process
of making something international or bringing it under
international control: Online learning has had a big impact on the
internationalisation of the university.
loss n. [C] the fact of no longer having something that you used to
have, or the fact of a business having less money than it did before,
especially because of spending more than it earns: The company is
closing down two of its factories, leading to 430 job losses.
interpersonal skills n. [C usually plural] the ability to communicate
and work well with other people and understand their feelings and
needs: Interpersonal skills are vital for good teamwork.
loyalty n. [U] the quality of always supporting your friends, company,
country, etc.: Can companies expect loyalty of their employees
when they only offer short-term contracts?
intranet n. [C] a computer network used for exchanging or seeing
information within a company: Photographs of new employees are
posted on the intranet.
mainstream adj. accepted by or suitable for most ordinary people: They
made the clothes less high-fashion and more mainstream.
invest v. [I, T] to buy shares, property or goods because you hope that
the value will increase and you can make a profit: He invested
£50,000 in his brother’s business.
investment n. [C] something that you buy, such as shares (=one of the
equal parts a company’s ownership is divided into), bonds (=official
documents that say a government will pay you back more than
the money you used to buy the document) or property (=land or
buildings), in order to make a profit later: We plan to buy some
property as an investment.
7
junior adj. having a low or lower rank in an organisation or a
profession: Some junior employees might lack the courage to
approach the boss.
make up ground to make progress towards becoming successful again
after a period of having difficulties: After a string of losses, the team
are starting to make up ground, with three wins in a row.
make your mark to have an important or permanent effect on
something: She wants to make her mark in the company.
make your mind up/make up your mind to decide which of two or
more choices you want, especially after thinking for a long time:
Have you made your mind up about what course to take?
Business Partner B2
Glossary
manage v. [T] 1 to direct or control a business or department and the
people, equipment, and money involved in it: He was asked to
manage a new department.
2 to succeed in doing something difficult, especially after trying very
hard: We somehow managed to persuade him.
management n. [U] 1 the activity of controlling and organising the
work that a company or organization does: In banking as in every
other business, good management is essential.
2 the people who are in charge of a company or organisation: The
factory is under new management.
3 the process of dealing with something difficult and controlling the
effects that it has: careful management of the economy
change management n. [U] the process of organising and
introducing new methods of working in a business or other
organisation: Change management focuses on helping people
change how they do their jobs.
conflict management n. [U] the ability to deal with arguments or
disagreements in a sensible, fair way: Good conflict management
leaves the people involved feeling that they have resolved a
problem fairly.
time management n. [U] the activity or skill of controlling the way
you spend your time in order to work as effectively as possible: Less
experienced staff often struggle with time management.
waste management n. [U] the activity of controlling or organising
how a company or area gets rid of unwanted materials or
substances: Recycling is one part of a waste management plan.
margin (also profit margin) n. [C, U] the amount of profit a business
makes when selling something, after taking away what it costs to
produce it: Margins are low and many companies are struggling.
market n. [C] 1 a particular country, area or group of people to which
a company sells or hopes to sell its goods or services: Our main
overseas market is Japan.
2 the business of buying and selling shares, the place where this is
done, or the companies that are involved in it (=stock market): The
company was floated on the stock market last year.
market research n. [U] a business activity that involves collecting
information about what goods people in a particular area buy, why
they buy them, etc.: Market research showed good potential for
marketing the aftershave to older men.
market share n. [C, U] the percentage of sales in a particular market
that a company or product has: Faced with declining market share
and falling profits, the firm laid off workers.
maximise (also maximize) v. [T] to increase something or use it in a
way that gives you the best value or result (opposite minimise): The
company’s main aim is to maximize profit.
measure v. [T] to judge the importance, value, or true nature of
something: Three criteria have been chosen to measure the
company performance over the year.
menial adj. menial work needs little skill and is usually badly paid: They
took menial factory jobs that no one else wanted.
mentee n. [C] someone who is getting help and advice from a mentor,
to help them in their work: The personality of the mentor can have a
big effect on the mentee, so it’s important to match them well.
mentor n. [C] an experienced person who gives advice to less
experienced people to help them in their work: He now runs his own
company and is a mentor to other young entrepreneurs.
1
mentor2 v. [T] to be someone’s mentor: She mentors undergraduates
who are training to be engineers.
mentoring n. [U] a process in which people with a lot of experience give
advice and help other people at work, or young people preparing
for work: Many universities believe mentoring helps new students
succeed in their studies.
merge v. [I, T] if two or more companies, organisations, etc. merge, or
if they are merged, they join together: The bank announced that it
was to merge with another of the high street banks.
8
millennial n. [C] someone who was born in the 1980s or 1990s and
became an adult during or after the year 2000: Millennials run some
of the biggest tech companies around.
minimise (also minimize) v. [T] to make something seem less important
or difficult (opposite maximise): We must not minimise the problem
of discrimination in the workplace.
minimum adj. the smallest or least that is possible, allowed or needed:
Minimum investment in each fund is £2,000.
minimum wage n. [singular] the lowest amount of money that an
employer can legally pay to a worker: Most of the new jobs in the
area only pay the minimum wage.
mixed adj. having some good and some bad parts or features: The car
has had mixed reviews.
moral adj. relating to ideas about what is right and wrong behaviour:
I think you can run a business according to the highest moral
standards.
morale n. [U] the level of confidence and positive feelings among a
group of people who work together: The poor working conditions
have a bad effect on staff morale.
motivate v. [T] to encourage someone and make them want to work
hard: The profit-sharing plan is designed to motivate the staff.
motivated adj. eager to do something or achieve something, especially
because you find it interesting or exciting: They have a highly
motivated workforce.
motivation n. [U] eagerness and willingness to do something without
needing to be told or forced to do it: Some of the employees seem to
lack motivation.
movement n. [C] a group of people who share the same ideas or beliefs
and who work together to achieve a particular aim: He was a leader
in the civil rights movement of the 1960s.
mutually adv. relating to feelings or help that two people give
each other: We eventually arrived at a figure that was mutually
acceptable.
needs analysis n. [C] the process of finding out what a person or group
needs to learn or know in order to improve their skills, knowledge,
etc.: A needs analysis allows Human Resources to arrange for
courses suited to an individual’s needs.
negative n. [C] something bad or harmful (opposite positive): The
negatives outweigh the positives on this issue.
negotiate v. [I, T] to discuss something in order to reach an agreement:
They negotiated a new contract with the sellers.
negotiation n. [C usually plural, U] official discussions between groups
who are trying to reach an agreement: The company entered into
negotiations for the purchase of a site just outside the town.
net adj. a net amount of money is one that remains after things such
as costs and tax have been taken away: Net profits have grown year
on year.
objective n. [C] something that you are trying to achieve: Our objective
is to grow earnings at about 6% a year.
obstacle n. [C] something that makes it difficult to achieve something:
Fear of change is an obstacle to progress.
online training n. [U] the process of using computers and the internet
to teach the skills or knowledge needed for a particular job: Online
training allows people to train at the best time for them.
on-the-job adj. while working, or at work: The on-the-job training was
very good.
open adj. willing to consider something new or to accept something
new: The committee is open to suggestions.
openness n. [U] the quality of being honest and willing to talk about
things and accept new ideas and people: Openness to change is
difficult but usually necessary.
Business Partner B2
Glossary
open-plan adj. an open-plan office, school, etc. does not have walls
dividing it into separate rooms: Financial institutions want large,
open-plan floors.
operating cost n. [C usually plural] a cost involved in the general
running of a business or organisation: There is a company-wide
programme to reduce operating costs.
opportunity n. [C, U] a chance to do something, especially something
interesting or something that will improve your situation: Several
employees took the opportunity to retire early.
optimistic adj. believing that good things will happen in the future
(opposite pessimistic): Bankers are optimistic about the country’s
economic future.
option n. [C] a choice you can make in a particular situation: There are a
number of options available.
organic adj. relating to methods of growing plants without using
artificial chemicals, or produced or grown by these methods:
Organic farming is better for the environment.
organisational behaviour (also organizational behavior AmE) n. [C,
U] the way in which the people in an organisation work together,
and how this affects the organisation as a whole: The type of
management a company has directly affects its organisational
behaviour.
outside the scope of something to not be included in the range of
things that a subject, activity, book, etc. deals with: A full discussion
of that issue is beyond the scope of this meeting.
overloaded adj. having more work, information, etc. than you can deal
with: Many working parents feel completely overloaded.
oversee v. (past tense oversaw, past participle overseen) [T] to be in
charge of a group of workers and check that a piece of work is done
satisfactorily: A team leader was appointed to oversee the project.
oversight n. [C, U] a mistake in which you forget something or do not
notice something: I’m sure it was just an oversight that your name
wasn’t on the list.
overtime n. [U] time that you spend working in your job in addition
to your normal working hours: The salary figure does not include
overtime pay.
overview n. [C] a short description of a subject or situation that gives
the main ideas without explaining all the details: Can you give us an
overview of the issues involved?
overwhelmed adj. having too much work and feeling like it is too
difficult to deal with it: We were overwhelmed by the number of
applications for the job.
paraphrase v. [T] to express in a shorter, clearer or different way what
someone has said or written: The article only paraphrased the
speech and gave no direct quotes.
partnership n. [C, U] a relationship between two people, organisations
or countries that work together, or the situation of working
together: The two companies have built up a close partnership over
the past four years.
joint partnership n. [U] a business relationship in which two
companies or organisations work together on a particular project
and share the costs and profits: The council and the housing
association have formed a joint partnership for the low-cost
housing scheme.
partner up phr. v. [I] to work with someone on a business project: The
company has partnered up with a number of stores to provide a
flower delivery service.
passion n. [C] a very strong liking for something: He had a researcher’s
passion for his subject.
pay n. [U] money that you are given for doing your job: Staff have been
working without pay for the last month.
pay rate n. [C] a payment for a job that is set according to a standard
scale: What’s the starting pay rate for a personal assistant?
9
pay rise (also pay raise AmE) n. [C] an increase in the amount of
money you are paid for doing your job: They were recently awarded
a 4% pay rise.
pay structure n. [C] the way in which different amounts of pay are
connected with different jobs and levels of responsibility: In some
countries, teachers have a performance-related pay structure.
performance n. [U] the way that someone does their job, and how
well they do it: Some people were critical of his performance as a
manager.
performance-related pay n. [U] money that you earn for your work,
which is increased if you do your work very well: Performancerelated pay has been introduced for general managers.
performance review n. [C] a meeting between a manager and a
worker to discuss the quality of someone’s work and how well they
do their job (=appraisal): You will have a yearly performance review.
personalisation (also personalization) n. [U] the process of designing
or changing something so that it is suitable for a particular person:
Personalisation means that we can create products that match a
client’s exact requirements.
personalise (also personalize) v. [T] to design or change something
so that it is suitable for a particular person: All the products can be
personalised to the client’s exact requirements. — personalised adj.
perspective n. [C] a way of thinking about something, especially
one which is influenced by the type of person you are or by your
experiences: I think it was a good thing to do, from a business
perspective.
persuade v. [T] to make someone decide to do something, believe
something or feel sure about something: I am not persuaded by
these arguments.
pessimistic adj. expecting that bad things will happen in the future or
that something will have a bad result (opposite optimistic): He’s
quite pessimistic about his chances of getting another job.
petition n. [C] a written request signed by a lot of people, asking
someone in authority to do something or change something: They
wanted me to sign a petition against experiments on animals.
pick up on phr. v. to return to a point or an idea that has been
mentioned and discuss it more: I’d like to pick up on a point that
Steven made earlier.
picture n. [C] the general situation in a place, organisation, etc.: By
asking these questions, I was able to get a more complete picture.
the big picture the general situation, considered as a whole: We
were so caught up in the details that we lost sight of the big picture.
piece rate n. [C] an amount of money that is paid for each item a worker
produces, rather than for the time taken to make it: The workers are
paid on a piece rate.
platform n. [C] a particular type of computer system or software that
can be used to create applications: The app runs on both Apple and
Android platforms.
policy n. [C] a course of action that has been officially agreed and
chosen by a political party, business or other organisation: The
company has adopted a strict no-smoking policy.
position n. [C] formal a job: Twelve people applied for the position.
positive n. [C] a quality or feature that is good or useful (opposite
negative): You can find positives in any situation.
postpone v. [T] to change the date or time of a planned event or action
to a later one: The meeting has been postponed until next Tuesday.
potential adj. likely to develop into a particular type of person or thing
in the future: We’re always looking for new ways of attracting
potential customers.
practice n. [C] something that people do often, especially a particular
way of doing something: What can American companies learn from
European business practices?
Business Partner B2
Glossary
predict v. [T] to say what you think will happen: Economists are
predicting that growth will slow.
prediction n. [C, U] a statement about what you think is going to
happen, or the act of making this statement: The data can be used
to make useful economic predictions.
propose v. [T] to suggest something such as a plan or course of action:
Lyle proposed large cuts in the training budget.
predictive adj. relating to a system’s ability to use information to say
what is likely to happen next: Predictive cruise control uses GPS
systems to get the information it needs to adjust a vehicle’s speed.
public n. [singular] the public ordinary people who do not work for the
government or have any special position in society: The meeting
will be open to the public.
present v. [T] to show or describe someone or something: The
government presents itself as being sensitive to environmental
issues.
publicity n. [U] the attention that someone or something gets from
newspapers, television, etc.: The case has received massive publicity.
presentation n. [C, U] an event at which you describe or explain a
new product or idea, or the way in which you show or explain
something: All the salespeople have had training in presentation
skills.
press release n. [C] an official statement giving information to the
newspapers, radio or television: The company didn’t comment on
the charges, but will be issuing a press release today.
prioritise (also prioritize) v. [I, T] to put several tasks, problems, etc. in
order of importance, so that the most important ones are done first:
You need to prioritise your tasks.
priority n. [C] the thing that is more important than anything else, and
that needs attention first: Cost-cutting measures continue to be the
first priority at the company.
high priority important and needing to be done or dealt with
quickly: What do you when everything is a high priority?
low priority not important and not needing to be done or dealt
with quickly: I will deal with the low priority tasks later.
top priority the thing that you think is most important: Increasing
sales is our top priority.
proactive adj. making things happen or change rather than reacting to
events: It’s worth being proactive and actually asking for a contract.
problematic adj. involving problems and difficult to deal with: The
reforms could turn out to be highly problematic.
process n. [C] a series of actions taken to perform a particular task or
achieve a particular result: A decision will only be taken after a
formal consultation process.
productivity n. [U] the rate at which goods are produced, and the
amount produced in relation to the work, time and money needed
to produce them: Managers are always looking for ways to increase
worker productivity.
profile n. [C] 1 a short description of someone or something, giving the
most important details about them: The article gave a profile of the
company.
2 raise/increase your profile if a person or an organisation raises
their profile, they get more attention from people: The advertising
campaign is designed to raise the bank’s profile.
profit n. [C, U] money that you gain from selling something, or from
doing business in a particular period of time, after taking away
costs: Since it was set up two years ago, the company hasn’t earned
a profit but could break even this year.
profitability n. [U] the amount of profit a company makes: The new
products are popular and have boosted the company’s profitability.
promote v. [T] 1 to give someone a better-paid, more responsible job in
a company or organisation: Helen was promoted to senior manager.
2 to try hard to sell a product or service, especially by advertising it
widely, reducing its price, etc.: To promote their new shampoo, they
are selling it at half price for a month.
promotion n. [C, U] 1 the fact of getting a better paid and more
responsible job or position in a company or organisation: I want a
job with good prospects for promotion.
2 an activity such as special advertisements or free gifts intended
to sell a product or service: Their winter sales promotion is starting
this week.
10
proposal n. [C, U] a plan or idea which is suggested formally to an
official person, or the process of suggesting a plan or idea: The
proposal was approved by the committee.
put something
off phr. v. to delay doing something or to arrange to
do something at a later time or date, especially because there is a
problem or you do not want to do it now: She put off the meeting
until the report was ready.
qualification n. [C usually plural] an examination that you have passed
at school, university or in your profession: She’s studying for a
professional qualification in marketing while working full time.
quarter n. [C] a period of three months: Our database is updated every
quarter.
questionable adj. not likely to be good, honest or true: Looking back,
we did make some questionable decisions.
rapport n. [singular, U] friendly agreement, communication and
understanding between people: It’s important to build up a rapport
with your customer.
real economy n. [U] the real economy the part of the economy that is
concerned with actually producing goods and services, as opposed
to the part of the economy that is concerned with buying and
selling on the financial markets: The Federal Reserve Bank was still
putting up interest rates while the real economy was shrinking.
real time n. [U] a system in which a computer deals with information as
it receives it, and is able to use this information to change how it is
doing a task: Airline booking systems need to work in real time.
re-assess, reassess v. [T] to think about something again carefully in
order to decide whether to change your opinion or judgment about
it: This has caused us to reassess the way we approach our planning.
recap v. [I, T] to repeat the main points of something that has just been
said: Let me just recap what’s been discussed so far.
recede v. [I] if prices, interest rates, etc. recede, they decrease: Growth is
expected to recede throughout the year.
recession n. [C, U] a difficult time when there is less trade, business
activity, etc. in a country than usual: Attempts to pull the country
out of recession are not yet working.
recognise (also recognize) v. [T] 1 to say publicly that someone has
done a good job or achieved something good: She was recognised
for her work in R&D.
2 to notice something and know what it is or what it means: He is
able to recognise the problem and give advice.
recognition n. [singular, U] public respect and thanks for someone’s
work or achievements: He was presented with a gold watch in
recognition of his service to the company.
recommend v. [T] to advise someone to do something, especially
because you have special knowledge of a situation or subject: I
recommend that you get some professional advice.
recover v. 1 [I] to return to a normal condition after a period of trouble
or difficulty: Yesterday morning shares seemed to recover from
Monday’s collapse.
2 [T] to get back money that you have spent or lost: The company
sued the suppliers, and has recovered about one third of its loss.
recovery n. (plural recoveries) [C, U] when prices, sales, etc. increase or
the economy grows again after a difficult period of time: The US is
showing solid signs of an economic recovery.
Business Partner B2
Glossary
recruit n. [C] someone who has recently joined a company or
organisation: New recruits are sent to the Atlanta office for training.
recruitment n. [U] the process or the business of finding new people to
work for your company: Recruitment is difficult at the moment.
redundancy n. (plural redundancies) [C, U] BrE a situation in which
someone has to leave their job, because they are no longer needed
(=lay-off AmE): Over 2,000 car workers now face redundancy.
redundant adj. BrE if you are redundant, your employer no longer has
a job for you (=laid off AmE): Seventy factory workers were made
redundant in the resulting cuts.
re-entry n. [C, U] the act of starting to be involved in something again:
Re-entry into the workplace can be difficult after a career break.
refine v. [T] to improve a method, plan, system, etc. by gradually
making slight changes to it: Car makers are constantly refining their
designs.
reflect v. [I, T] to think carefully about something that has happened, or
to say something that you have been thinking about: He had time to
reflect on his successes and failures.
regret v. [T not in progressive] to feel sorry and sad that something bad
has happened, especially when you caused the problem: We regret
any inconvenience caused to our customers.
reinvent v. reinvent yourself to do something differently from before,
especially in order to improve or change your career: Bowie
constantly reinvented himself during his long career.
relocate v. [I, T] if a company or worker relocates or is relocated,
they move to a different place: The company plans to relocate its
corporate headquarters to Warsaw.
relocation n. [U] the process of moving to a different place for your job,
or of a company moving to a different place: The relocation went
fairly smoothly.
rely on phr. v. [T] to trust or depend on someone or something,
especially to do what you need: Many working families rely on
relatives to help take care of their children.
remotely adv. from far away: More and more people are working
remotely.
reputation n. [C] the opinion that people have about someone or
something because of what has happened in the past: Over the
years, the company has gained a reputation for making quality
products.
request v. [T] to ask for something in a polite or formal way: To request
more information, please call our free number.
resist v. [T] to refuse to accept or agree to a change or to something
someone wants you to do: He resisted pressure to resign.
resistance n. [singular, U] a refusal to accept or agree to something:
The proposals met with considerable resistance from our American
colleagues.
resources n. [C usually plural] something such as money, property, skill,
labour, etc. that a company has available: We have the necessary
financial resources to respond to these problems.
respect n. [U] the belief that something or someone is important
and should not be harmed, treated rudely, etc.: I don’t think these
companies have any respect for the environment.
responsible adj. able to be trusted, because you accept that you have
a duty to look after something or someone and behave in a moral
way: Responsible companies take care of the environment.
socially responsible adj. behaving in a moral way towards society,
for example by being fair, taking care of the environment, being
involved in your community, etc.: Many large companies feel an
obligation to be socially responsible.
11
responsive adj. ready to react in a useful or helpful way to problems,
complaints, market changes, etc.: Their drive to become a more
flexible, customer-responsive organisation has improved sales
dramatically.
restructure v. [I, T] if a company restructures, or someone restructures
it, it changes the way it is organised or financed: The group will
restructure, reducing the workforce by as much as 19%.
restructuring n. [U] the process of changing the way a company is
organised or financed: About 15% of employees lost their jobs
during the restructuring.
retain v. [T] if a company retains workers, the workers stay with
the company rather than taking jobs with other employers: It’s
increasingly difficult to recruit and retain good staff.
retention n. [U] when workers stay with a company rather than
taking a job with another employer: We have detected a definite
improvement in employee retention.
retire v. [I] to stop working, usually because you have reached a certain
age: Most people retire at 65.
retirement n. [C, U] when you stop working, usually because of
your age: He announced his retirement as chief executive of the
company.
return (also return on investment, abbreviation ROI) n. [singular, U]
the amount of profit that a company gets from something in a
particular period of time, in relation to the amount it has invested
in it: The television programme was expensive to make, but the
company is hoping for a good return on investment.
revenue (also revenues plural) n. [C] money that a business or
organisation receives over a period of time, especially from selling
goods or services: The company has an annual revenue of about $8
million.
review1 v. [T] to examine a situation or process carefully in order to see
if changes are needed or if it can be improved: We will review your
situation and decide how we can help you.
review2 n. [C, U] a careful examination of a situation or process,
especially to see if it can be improved: The company hired him to
conduct an independent review of their workplace procedures.
revise v. [T] to change something by adding new information, making
improvements or correcting mistakes: Sales forecasts have been
revised due to the downturn in the economy.
reward1 n. [C] something that you receive because you have done
something good or helpful: She got no reward for all the hard work
she did.
reward2 v. [T] to give someone something such as money because they
have done something good or helpful: The bonus system rewards
workers who meet targets.
reward system n. [C] a system in which employees receive extra money
or other advantages from their employer, especially for achieving
particular results: Managers must design reward systems which
satisfy individuals and the objectives of the organization.
rewarding adj. making you feel happy and satisfied because you feel
you are doing something useful or important: Teaching can be a
very rewarding career.
rise through the ranks to make progress in your job, moving from a
low position to a high position with more responsibility: She had
joined the company as a secretary and risen through the ranks to
become a senior sales director.
risk n. [C, U] the possibility that something may be lost, harmed or
damaged, or that something bad, unpleasant or dangerous may
happen: If you’re considering starting a business, think carefully
about the risks involved.
risk assessment n. [C] an examination of the possible risks involved
in doing something, so that organisations can decide whether
something is worth doing and how they can reduce the risks: Any
organisation employing more than four people must carry out a
health and safety risk assessment.
Business Partner B2
Glossary
role n. [C] the way in which someone or something is involved in an
activity or situation, and how much influence they have on it: Mr
Jones took on the role of spokesperson for the organisation.
room n. there is room for improvement used to say that something is
not perfect and can be improved: You did well on the last project,
but there’s still room for improvement.
routine n. [C, U] the usual order in which you do things, or the things
you regularly do: She does not like having her work routine
interrupted.
sabbatical n. [C] a period of time when someone takes an agreed break
from their work in order to study or travel: He spent his sabbatical
studying computer applications in finance.
salary n. (plural salaries) [C] money that you receive as payment from
the organization you work for, usually paid to you every month: It
sounds an interesting job, but the salary is too low.
savings n. [plural] all the money that you have saved, especially in
a bank or financial institution: Buying a house had taken all their
savings.
schedule n. [C] a plan of what someone is going to do and when they
are going to do it: I’m going to be working to a very tight schedule.
behind schedule when events are happening later than the time
that was planned: We are running several weeks behind schedule.
scheme n. [C] an official plan or system for doing something or
providing something (=program AmE): The company runs an
apprentice training scheme.
sector n. [C] all the organisations or companies in a particular area of
activity, industry, etc.: The electronics sector accounted for revenue
of £940.4 million.
seminar n. [C] a class on a particular subject, usually given as a form of
training and often a few hours or days long: Publishers and writers
from 13 countries attended the seminar.
senior adj. having a high position in an organisation, company, etc.:
He has held several senior management positions.
session n. [C] a period of time used for a particular activity, especially
by a group of people: After the opening session we run a series of
workshops.
six-figure adj. [only before noun] used to describe a number that is
100,000 or more, especially an amount of money: She is reported to
want a four-year, six-figure contract.
skill n. [C] an ability to do something well, especially because you have
learned and practised it: Many jobs today require computer skills.
skills set n. [C] all the different skills that are needed to do a
particular job: The skill sets needed for the two positions are very
different.
soft skill n. [C usually plural] an ability to get along with and talk
to other people, understand and deal with your own emotions and
tasks, and behave properly in many different situations: Soft skills
cover everything from communication to problem-solving.
slowdown n. [C usually singular] a time when there is less activity:
Economists expect a slowdown in the Chinese economy.
source v. [T] if a company sources materials, parts, etc. from a particular
place, it gets them from there: Components will be sourced from
Polish producers.
specialised (also specialized) adj. designed or trained for a particular
purpose or type of work: The company sells specialised computer
software.
specialist n. [C] a person or business that has a lot of skill or knowledge
in a particular subject: He’s a specialist in the insurance industry.
spidergram n. [C] a way of organising information, in which you put
the subject in the middle and draw lines to other information about
the subject (=spider diagram): A spidergram is a useful way of
organising facts before you start writing about a topic.
stable adj. not likely to move or change: The government is committed
to maintaining a stable exchange rate.
stakeholder n. [C] someone who has good reasons to be interested in a
company, organisation or society and what it does or what happens
to it, often someone who has invested money in it: Stakeholders
are not just those who have invested money in a company; they can
include people who simply live near a company’s factory and are
affected by noise or smoke.
set v. [T] to decide that something should happen or be achieved: Set
goals that are realistic — can you achieve them in the time you have?
standard n. [C] a size, shape, quality, etc. that is usual or accepted, and
that can be used to measure or judge something similar: The parts
are made according to an industry standard.
setback n. [C] a problem that delays or prevents progress, or makes
things worse than they were: After a series of setbacks, things are
beginning to look up for Spain’s second-largest bank.
status n. [U] your social or professional rank or position, considered in
relation to other people: Doctors have traditionally enjoyed high
social status.
settle v. [I] to feel comfortable, calm and relaxed in a new situation,
place, job, etc.: It didn’t take Charlie long to settle into his new job.
steady adj. (steadier, steadiest) continuing or developing gradually or
without stopping: There has been a steady growth in sales.
severity n. [U] the quality of being very bad or very serious: We didn’t
realize the severity of the problem.
stock market n. [singular] the business of buying and selling shares, the
place where this is done or the companies that are involved in it: The
money was invested in the stock market.
shadow v. [T] to watch someone very closely or work with them in
order to learn how they do their job: The managers were shadowed
by trainees in the bank’s development programme.
shame n. [U] the feeling you have when you feel guilty and
embarrassed because you, or someone who is close to you, have
done something wrong: He felt a deep sense of shame over the way
he’d treated her.
share n. [C] one of the equal parts into which the ownership of a
company is divided: We’ve got shares in Allied Chemicals.
12
significant adj. large enough to be noticeable or have noticeable
effects: A significant part of Japan’s wealth is invested abroad.
straight answer n. [C] an answer that is honest and direct and does not
hide any facts: He was never able to get a straight answer about
what had happened.
strategy n. [C] a plan or series of plans for achieving an aim: The firm is
considering a change in its marketing strategy.
stressful adj. a job, experience or situation that is stressful makes you
worry a lot: What’s the most stressful aspect of your job?
shareholder n. [C] someone who owns shares in a company or business:
Shareholders have been told to expect an even lower result next
year.
structure1 n. [C] the way in which the parts of something are connected
with each other and form a whole: The company’s structure is
quite flat; people work in teams and there aren’t many levels of
management.
short-term adj. continuing for only a short time, or concerned only
with the period of time that is not very far into the future (opposite
long-term): Most of the staff are on short-term contracts.
structure2 v. [T] to arrange or organise the different parts of something
into a useful order: The software helps users structure their work
and their data.
Business Partner B2
Glossary
structured adj. carefully organised, planned or arranged: The
interviews were highly structured.
style n. [C] the particular way that someone does something or deals
with other people: His tough management style has upset some
executives.
subsidised (also subsidized) adj. if an activity, food, housing, etc. is
subsidised, the government or an organisation has paid for part of
the costs so that people do not have to pay as much: The company
has a scheme for subsidised childcare.
sufficient adj. as much as is needed for a particular purpose: The money
is not sufficient to cover everything that needs doing.
sum (something
) up phr. v. [I, T] to use only a few words to describe
something or give the main information from a report, speech, etc.:
Gerald will open the debate and I will sum up.
summarise (also summarize) v. [I, T] to write or say a short statement
giving only the main information and not the details of a plan,
event, report, etc.: I wrote an email summarizing the main points we
had discussed.
summary n. (plural summaries) [C] a short statement or piece of
writing that gives the main information about something, without
giving all the details: A brief summary is given on a separate sheet.
supplier n. [C] a company that provides a particular type of product:
The company is now the main supplier of educational software to
schools.
supply chain n. [C] the series of companies that are involved in making
parts of a product and getting the product from the manufacturers
to the public: There were a few supply chain problems because of
the bad weather and certain parts didn’t arrive on time.
support n. [U] approval, encouragement and often help for a person,
idea, plan, etc.: Local people have given us a lot of support in our
campaign.
sustainability n. [U] the ability to continue doing something or
making something without causing damage to the environment:
The government should do more to promote sustainability in
agriculture.
sweatshop n. [C] a small business, factory, etc. where people work hard
in bad conditions for very little money—used to show disapproval:
They worked fourteen-hour days in textile sweatshops.
symptom n. [C] a sign that a serious problem exists: The disappearance
of jobs is a symptom of a deeper socioeconomic change.
system n. [C] an arrangement or organisation of ideas, methods or
ways of working: All staff will benefit from a well-run performance
appraisal system.
takeover n. [C] the act of getting control of a company by buying over
50 percent of its shares: They’ve announced a takeover bid for a rival
company.
take something on board to listen to and accept a suggestion, idea,
etc.: Our manager seemed to take our comments on board.
talented adj. having a natural ability to do something well: We want to
encourage talented employees to take on more challenging roles.
target1 n. [C] a result such as a total, an amount or a time which you
aim to achieve: Dealers are under pressure to meet sales targets.
target2 adj. target market/audience the group of people that a
product, service, idea, etc. is aimed at: This advertisement will
appeal to our target market of young men.
13
tension n. [U] the feeling that exists when people do not trust each
other and may suddenly start arguing: The obvious tension between
them made everyone else uncomfortable.
think out loud to say what you are thinking, without talking to anyone
in particular and sometimes in order to give an idea that is not fully
developed: Just thinking out loud here—what if we started a course
to help employees with time management?
time n.
ahead of time done earlier than the time when something should
be done: Prepare what you plan to say in the meeting ahead of time.
by the time after something else has already happened: I was
exhausted by the time I reached home.
in time done or finished before the time when something must be
done or finished: We finished the report in time for the meeting.
make time for something to plan so that you have time available
for something: You need to make time for your hobbies!
out of time not having any more time available for something: Put
your pencils down; you’re out of time.
spend time to use time doing a particular thing, or pass time in a
particular place: I spent a lot of time making sure every detail was
right.
time is money used to say that wasting time or delaying something
costs money: This software decreases the amount of paperwork you
have to do and, as we all know, time is money.
timeline n. [C] a plan for when things will happen: The timeline for the
project is optimistic.
to-do list n. [C] a list of all the tasks you need to do: Crossing off the
jobs on my to-do list gives me a good feeling.
tool n. [C] a piece of software, a piece of equipment, a device or a skill
that you use to do a particular task: This tool keeps track of the
store’s stock automatically.
track n. on track continuing to work in a way that makes you likely to
achieve the result you want: We’re still on track for 10% growth.
trade fair n. [C] a large event when several companies show their goods
or services in one place, to try to sell them: Eighty countries plan to
attend the trade fair in November.
trainer n. [C] someone whose job is to teach people skills for a
particular job or activity: A trainer was hired to teach public
speaking.
training n. [U] the process of teaching or being taught the skills for a
particular job or activity: On the course we received training in every
aspect of the job.
transformation n. [C, U] a complete change in someone or something:
In recent years, the travel industry has undergone a dramatic
transformation.
transition n. [C, U] the act or process of changing from one state or
form to another: The computer company went through a difficult
transition period.
transparency n. [U] the quality of doing things in a way that is easily
understood or can easily be seen: A company that is committed to
transparency will list all the businesses involved in its supply chain.
transparent adj. doing things in a way that is easily understood or seen:
Are they transparent about salaries?
transport v. [T] to take goods, people, etc. from one place to another in
a vehicle: Tanker trucks are used for transporting oil.
team-building n. [U] the process of getting employees to work
together well and communicate effectively: Good understanding of
teamwork and team-building are critical for your business success.
triple bottom line n. [singular] a way of examining or measuring how
a company’s actions have affected its profits, the people who work
for it or live in the area, and the environment: If a company pollutes
a nearby river, that has an impact on the company’s triple bottom
line.
team up phr. v. [I] to join with someone in order to work on something:
The two companies will team up to develop new database software.
troubleshoot v. [I, T] to examine problems and find ways to solve them:
A new manager was brought in to troubleshoot some of the issues.
Business Partner B2
Glossary
trust1 n. [U] a strong belief in the honesty, goodness, etc. of someone or
something: To be good leaders, managers must create a climate of
mutual trust and respect.
trust2 v. [T] to believe that someone is honest or will not do anything
bad or wrong: I just don’t trust him.
trustworthiness n. [C] the quality of being honest and being able to be
trusted or depended on: I never doubted his trustworthiness.
turn (something)
around phr. v. [I, T] to do something in order to
be successful again after a period of being unsuccessful, or to begin
to be successful again: In less than a year, she had turned around a
badly performing division.
turnover n. [singular] the rate at which workers leave an organisation
and are replaced by others: Contract workers have a high turnover
rate.
underestimate v. [I, T] to think or guess that something is smaller,
cheaper, easier, etc. than it really is: People often underestimate the
importance of human relationships in successful companies.
under pressure having a lot of things that must be done: The team is
under pressure to finish the project on time.
unethical adj. morally wrong: Many people feel it’s unethical to use
animals for cosmetics testing.
unforeseen adj. not expected to happen and not planned for: There
have been unforeseen delays in supplying the equipment.
union n. [C] an organisation formed by workers to protect their rights:
Are you planning to join the union?
urgency n. [U] the quality of being very important and needing to be
dealt with immediately: The issue should be discussed as a matter
of urgency.
urgent adj. very important and needing to be dealt with immediately:
Urgent action is needed to boost employment.
valid adj. accepted as reasonable, sensible or useful: She makes a valid
point—not everyone can be paid a high wage.
value1 n. [C often plural] a principle that a business or organisation
thinks is important and which it tries to follow: The following list of
core values reflects what is truly important to us as an organisation.
value2 v. [T] to think that someone or something is important: Mr. Yeo
valued Jan for her hard work.
venture capital n. [U] money lent to someone so that they can start a
new business: The fund provides venture capital and loans for US
business projects.
vintage adj. old, but high quality: He bought an expensive 1930s
vintage car.
14
visualisation (also visualization) n. [U] the practice of using pictures,
tables, graphs, etc. to show data, so that it is easier to understand:
The visualisation of the data in graph form showed that our
customers were mainly in the 35–50 age group.
visualise (also visualize) v. [T] to use pictures, tables, graphs, etc. to
show data, so that it is easier to understand: Visualising the test
results clearly showed that girls were doing much better than boys
in the subject.
voice recognition n. [U] a system in which a computer, or other
machine, understands and obeys instructions spoken by a person:
Most smartphones today use voice recognition to allow you to ask
your phone a question.
volume n. [C, U] the total amount of something: Fifty-nine percent of
companies reported that sales volume was lower than a year ago.
volunteer n. [C] someone who does a job willingly without being paid:
Volunteers helped to clear the litter from the beach.
water n. be in deep water to be in trouble or in a difficult or serious
situation: The company is in deep water over its refusal to reduce
prices.
wavelength n. be on the same/a different wavelength to have the
same or different ideas, opinions and feelings as someone else:
We work together really well because we’re usually on the same
wavelength.
webinar n. [C] a lesson or training that is done using the internet,
so that people in different places can all take part using their
computers: Staff in all our locations are expected to attend the
training webinar.
weigh something
up phr. v. to consider something carefully so that
you can make a decision about it: We’re still weighing up the pros
and cons of the two options.
wiki n. [C, U] a website with information that users can change or add
things to: Many companies have now replaced their intranets with
wikis.
workforce n. [singular] all the people who work in a particular country,
industry or factory: The supermarket chain closed 311 stores and
cut its workforce to 29,500.
work-life balance n. [U] a situation in which you are able to give the
right amount of time and effort to your work and to your personal
life outside work, for example to your family or to other interests:
You can’t have a proper work-life balance if you’re in the office for
12 hours a day!
workload n. [C] the amount of work that a person or organisation has
to do: We hired another secretary to handle the increased workload.
viral adj. go viral if a picture, video, joke, etc. goes viral, many people
see it and share it on social media: The video quickly went viral.
workshop n. [C] a meeting at which people discuss a subject and do
practical exercises, especially in order to find solutions to problems:
Staff attended a two-day training workshop on basic PR techniques.
virtual reality n. [U] images produced by a computer that give you the
experience of seeing or being inside a real place or physical object:
Virtual reality can be used to let investors walk through a building
that hasn’t yet been built.
work your way up to work hard and make progress in your job, moving
from a low position to a high position with more responsibility:
He started in the mail room and worked his way up, eventually
becoming head of marketing.
vision n. [C] an idea of what you think something should be like: She
had a clear vision of how he hoped the company would develop.
yield v. [T] to produce profits: These investments should yield a
reasonable return.